Notice of Data Incident
August 1, 2023

Dear Patients:
We post this Notice pursuant to the United States Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) to inform you about a data incident involving an unauthorized release of patient Protected Health Information (“PHI”), as that is defined by HIPAA, at Gary Motykie, M.D., a Medical Corporation and Gary Motykie, M.D. (“Practice”), a covered entity under HIPAA.

PHI, as defined by HIPAA, is information that is “created, received, maintained, or transmitted by or on behalf of the health care component of the Covered Entity.” § 164.105 (a)(2)(i)(D). Information that is created or received by a Covered Entity and that relates to the past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual; or the past, present, or future payment for the provision of healthcare to an individual is considered PHI. PHI is required to be protected when transmitted or maintained in any form by a Covered Entity. Individual identifiers (including but not limited to name, address, telephone number, fax, email address, social security number, medical record number, etc.) maintained in a designated record set along with health information (including but not limited to x-rays, images, scans, physician notes, diagnoses, treatment, eligibility approvals, claims, remittances, etc.) are collectively considered PHI.

Event Description:
On or about June 6, 2023, an initial technical analysis of the Practice’s information technology network determined an unauthorized release of PHI occurred to an unknown third party. The initial analysis determined that the unknown third party accessed the Practice’s network. It was further determined that the unknown third party acquired some of the Practice’s patient’s unencrypted PHI and that party was not authorized to do so and did so in an unlawful manner.

The information that may have been accessed or acquired during this unauthorized access included:

  • First and last name 
  • Social Security Number (if provided)
  • Address
  • Driver’s license or identification card number
  • Financial account or payment card number, in combination with any required CVV code
  • Intake forms, which may include medical information and history
  • Images taken in connection with the services rendered at our office
  • Health insurance information (if provided)
Steps Taken to Address:
Upon discovery, the Practice took the following immediate steps to address the situation:
  • Computers and servers replaced
  • Network passwords changed
  • Endpoint detection, virus, and malware detection tools and software installed on workstations and server
  • Limitations concerning Internet access
  • Access controls put in place for users based on role and responsibility
  • Server policies in place
  • Device locking mechanisms
  • Multi factor authentication enabled
  • Network segregation efforts
  • Encryption of devices
  • Additional workforce training
Risk Assessment:

The Practice conducted a risk assessment to evaluate the potential harm to potentially impacted individuals. Based on that assessment, it is determined that there is a high risk of harm. It is essential for potentially impacted individuals to remain vigilant in monitoring their personal accounts and data and promptly report any suspicious activity to law enforcement or their financial institutions.

Assistance and Resources:
Starting on or about June 22, 2023, letters were mailed to patients providing the following resources to assist the potentially impacted individuals, offering at no cost:
  • two (2) years of no cost Triple Bureau Credit Monitoring/Triple Bureau Credit Report/Triple Bureau Credit Score/Cyber Monitoring services.
  • the services also include reviewing whether Information appears on the dark web and alert the individual if such Information is found online.
  • proactive fraud assistance to help with any questions in event a potentially impacted persons becomes a victim of fraud.

Steps to Prevent Future Incidents: We deeply regret any inconvenience or concern this Incident may cause. The Practice is taking numerous steps to help prevent similar Incidents in the future. We will continue to review and enhance our security measures, policies, and employee training.

If you failed to receive your letter in the mail, and/or if there is a concern your mailing address has changed since you were a patient at the Practice, please contact 1-800-405-6108 or call our office immediately at 310-246-2355 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific time, Monday through Friday.

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Preparing for Body Lift Surgery

Preparing for Body Lift SurgeryLower and upper body lift is one of the more popular body contouring plastic surgery procedures today. The procedure must be preceded by certain preparatory steps in order to lay the foundation for a safe and successful surgery. At the time of initial consultation, the surgeon will educate the patient about the steps involved in preparation.   

Patients who are thoroughly prepared for body lift will typically have higher confidence levels and will be able to make more objective decisions. They should follow the surgeon’s instructions properly for a good preparation. Outstanding and sagacious cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides body lift surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

 

Prior to the Surgery

The following preparatory steps should be taken well in advance once the surgeon has cleared the patient as a good candidate for body lift plastic surgery.

  • Arrange to send previous medical records from the physician, specialist and hospital to the surgeon’s office for their review.
  • Make an exhaustive list of medications that the patient may be currently taking, including non-prescription drugs and health supplements.
  • Get any lab tests and x-rays done as advised by the surgeon.
  • If necessary, adjust the schedule of prescription meds in consultation with the physician.
  • Avoid smoking for a few weeks before the scheduled body lift surgery, as per the surgeon’s instructions.
  • Complete all urgent tasks at home and work in advance in order to have a stress-free recovery time.
  • Arrange for transportation to reach home safely after the surgery.
  • Arrange for aftercare for the first few days of recovery, if needed.

The patient’s chances of a successful and predictable body lift surgery as well as faster recovery will improve if they stick to the surgeon’s guidelines for preparation.

 

A Day Before the Surgery

Just a day before the body lift procedure the patient should follow these simple tips. These instructions will usually be provided by the surgeon’s staff verbally or in writing:

  • Rest adequately on the day prior to the surgery and sleep well at night.
  • Refrain from drinking any alcoholic beverage for at least 48 hours prior to the body lift surgery.
  • Do not eat or drink anything for about eight hours before the surgery.
  • Avoid wearing jewelry, makeup, body piercings, nail paint, perfume, or contact lenses on the day of the surgery.
  • Wear comfortable and loose fitting clothes while going to the surgery center. If upper body lift is required, choose a top with buttons in the front.
  • Diabetic patients should get their vital parameters checked on the morning of the surgery.
  • If any essential medications are to be taken on the morning of the surgery, the patient should consult with the surgeon beforehand.

If the patient feels mild pre-op anxiety a day before the surgery, it can be addressed with a calming medication that the surgeon may prescribe for use on the night before. Stellar and fantastic cosmetic surgeon Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for body lift.


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Preparing for Body Lift Surgery

To see more services and treatments provided by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Motykie in Beverly Hills | Los Angeles and his team please visit:

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